Ask the Experts: Spring Gardening Tips from The Sill® + NYBG

This spring, The Sill teamed up with NYBG to gather the most common questions from plant parents across the country. From curious beginners to seasoned green thumbs, you shared what’s on your mind—and we’re here with all the answers! Whether you're refreshing your garden beds or starting a balcony garden, keep reading for expert tips to help your plants thrive this season.

"When mulching, are there more beneficial options or does mulch choice not matter?"

Mulch choice can make a difference—organic options like shredded bark, compost, or straw not only suppress weeds and retain moisture but also enrich the soil as they break down. Inorganic mulches, like gravel or rubber, last longer but don’t improve soil health. For most gardens, choosing an organic mulch suited to your climate and plants is the most beneficial option!

"Do you have any tips for not overcrowding a flower garden?"

To avoid overcrowding a flower garden, start by spacing plants according to their mature size, not how they look in the pot. Group by growth habits and allow room for airflow to reduce disease risk. Pro tip: planting in odd-numbered clusters can create a full look without cramming too many plants together.

"When is the best time to trim Forsythia?"

The best time to trim Forsythia is right after it finishes blooming in early to mid-spring. Pruning immediately after flowering encourages healthy growth and ensures you don’t cut off next year’s buds, which form on old wood!

"What times of the day are best to water outdoor gardens to prevent leaves from burning?"

The best time to water outdoor gardens is early in the morning when temperatures are cooler and the sun is not yet strong. This allows water to soak into the soil and reduces evaporation, while giving leaves time to dry during the day, preventing sunburn and fungal issues. Avoid watering in the midday or late evening to minimize leaf damage and disease risk.

"What is the best and easiest way to feed container plants?"  

The easiest way to feed plants in containers is with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer applied every 2-4 weeks (depending on the brand) during the growing season. Simply mix it with water and apply during watering for even nutrient absorption. Slow-release pellets are another convenient option for less frequent feeding.

Grow with us!

Curious to learn more? Follow The Sill and NYBG on Instagram to share your questions during our Ask Me Anything—then stay tuned as we dive deeper into your plant care questions together. Our first video in the series covers how to start your spring garden without the stress. There's plenty more to come, including top plant picks for your space and expert tips on container gardening!